CATHERINE TRACY

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - Catherine Tracy, 74, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2015 after succumbing to pulmonary disease.
She was born Mary Catherine Liller to Oliver Earl and Jesse Faye Liller in London, Ohio and grew up on her family's farm until leaving for college.
Educated at The Ohio State University, she received her MSW from USC and started her career path which included some unique experiences highlighted by her short stint as a Playboy Bunny. Those of us who knew her know that she definitely had the legs. After moving to Los Angeles she became a social worker and went on to work in child social services for the County as the Deputy Commissioner. That continued a lifetime commitment for helping others. After her LA County service she moved into the private sector as a consultant for Maximus where she retired as a vice-president.
Retirement brought her to Palm Springs, Calif. where Catherine found and connected with her true calling. She joined the Docent Council of the Palm Springs Art Museum and was an absolute whirlwind of energy, not only giving outstanding tours on both art and mid-century architecture but also taking on the challenge of the acceptance and training of new docents. She rose to the challenge brilliantly as the new class of 2014/15 will attest. Her passion for art and architecture was only rivaled by her passion for reading. An active member of three book clubs she devoured both fiction and nonfiction and was known to read a book in a day. She loved Mahjong and played in a long standing game. Family and friends were always delighted by her culinary skills. Her dinner parties were renowned.
Catherine lived life to the fullest and had two great loves both of whom preceded her in death, her ex-husband Mark Tracy and her partner Mike McIntyre.
Animals were always part of her life and nothing made her happier than being curled up on a couch with a great book and her beloved bouvier, Charlie, by her side. We are all very grateful that she could leave Desert Regional Medical Center to go home to be with Charlie and pass peacefully the next day after having had around the clock care given by her sister, daughter, niece and dear friends Chad and Roly. She is survived by her sister Earlene; her daughter, Jean; her niece, Karen; her grandson, Jeremy; and other nieces and nephews.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and she leaves a group of friends that could fill a stadium. There will be no religious service. A celebration of her life was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2015 at her home.
Donations may be made to The Palm Springs Art Museum/Catherine Tracy Memorial Fund.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries.